Poem Analysis - Of De Witt Williams On His Way To Lincoln Cemetery

A Lament for the Common Man

Gwendolyn Brooks' "Of De Witt Williams On His Way To Lincoln Cemetery" is a poignant elegy for an ordinary Black man. The poem’s tone is initially matter-of-fact, almost dismissive, but it quickly shifts to a tender celebration of De Witt’s life and the community he inhabited. This contrast underscores the poem’s central concern: the value of a life often overlooked by society. The repeated refrain emphasizes the societal perception of De Witt, while the specific details humanize him and reclaim his worth.

Echoes of the Great Migration

The poem is deeply rooted in the historical context of the Great Migration, the movement of millions of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North in the early to mid-20th century. De Witt’s birthplace in Alabama and upbringing in Illinois reflect this migration pattern. This movement promised opportunity, but often delivered a life of continued struggle and marginalization in northern cities. Knowing this history helps us understand the poem's understated anger and its insistence on recognizing De Witt's humanity despite his "plain" existence.

The Value of an Ordinary Life

One of the central themes is the inherent value of an ordinary life, particularly one lived within a marginalized community. The poem emphasizes the places that defined De Witt: the pool hall, the show, Forty-seventh Street, and the dance halls. These locations, common and unglamorous, were the landscape of his experiences, joys, and relationships. Brooks elevates these everyday settings to a place of significance, asserting that De Witt's life, though "plain" to the outside world, held immense value within his own community. The poem subtly argues against a system that devalues Black lives by focusing on the specific details of De Witt’s.

Joy and Sorrow Intertwined

The themes of joy and sorrow are interwoven throughout the poem, reflecting the complex realities of De Witt's life. The "liquid joy" he found in the dance halls contrasts sharply with the underlying sense of loss conveyed by his death. Even in celebrating his life, the poem acknowledges the hardships he faced as a "plain black boy." The image of him being "blind within his casket" is particularly striking. While physically blind, the speaker hopes De Witt will somehow "know" that his life and the places he loved are being remembered. This blend of celebration and lament creates a powerful emotional impact.

The Chariot of Hope and Despair

The repeated line, "Swing low swing low sweet sweet chariot," acts as a powerful symbol. While rooted in the spirituals of enslaved Africans longing for freedom and deliverance, here it carries a double meaning. On one hand, it signifies the hope of ascension and peace in death. On the other hand, it underscores the harsh reality that De Witt's "chariot" is a hearse, and his escape from hardship comes only through death. Is the chariot truly "sweet," or does it simply offer a reprieve from a life of systemic oppression? This ambiguity forces the reader to confront the complexities of hope and despair within the Black experience.

Remembering a Life Lived

In conclusion, "Of De Witt Williams On His Way To Lincoln Cemetery" is a moving tribute to an ordinary Black man whose life, though seemingly unremarkable to the broader world, held profound significance within his community. Through vivid imagery, a shift in tone, and the symbolic use of the spiritual, Brooks elevates De Witt's story to a universal statement about the value of human life and the importance of remembering those who are often forgotten. The poem serves as a reminder to see the humanity in everyone, regardless of their social standing or perceived ordinariness, and urges us to acknowledge and celebrate lives that might otherwise go unnoticed.